Summer [Completed]

Chapter Thirty

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Consequences
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per·se·vere

verb

1. continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.

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I

mani POV

When I wake this morning, everything feels different. I don't groan when I get out of bed, and I actually put effort into my appearance.

I brush my teeth, take a shower, wash my hair, and even go as far as to apply a coat of mascara to my lashes.

I've decided that today is the day. Today is the day that I stop feeling sorry for myself. Today is the day that I don't take no for an answer. Today is the day that I start fighting for what I want.

I pull my hair into a high ponytail and slide on a cropped baseball tee and denim shorts. Checking out my reflection, I smile. I look better, confident, pretty even.

I guess looking good does in a way make you feel good.

After sliding on my white huaraches, I leave the confines of my room and venture nervously into the hall.

Although it's not dark out, it's still fairly early in the morning. My stomach is in knots as I approach his door, fist raised to knock, I hesitate.

Is this a bad idea?

Suddenly my outfit seems juvenile, and I feel like opting to wear makeup was too much. I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard.

I bite my lip in contemplation, suddenly aware of how dry they feel. I quickly lick them then frown, now they're way too wet. Letting out and exasperated gasp, I wipe my mouth with my shirt.

My confidence wanes with every passing minute and I just chew the inside of my cheek pathetically.

This is stupid.

I want nothing more than to go back to my room, change into my sweatpants and crawl under my covers and never come out.

What was I thinking? I'm not ready for this...

As soon as I make up my mind to leave, the door swings open, and I'm face to face with the man who stole my heart.

I hold my breath and stare up at him, all wide-eyed and stupefied. I open my mouth, yet no words come to mind. It's as if I've lost all ability to form coherent sentences.

I watch him closely as he studies me. I stand frozen as his eyes rake down my body, noticing when his cheeks become splotchy and red.

His jaw clenches abruptly and he furrows his brown frustratedly. He looks at me skeptically, like a puzzle that he can't seem to solve.

Before I can organize my thoughts, Ethan speaks.

"Move." He grumbles and I flinch, startled by the harshness of his tone.

"N-no," I manage to croak out, "I-I want to-no I need to talk to you."

He shakes his head, like my words only enrage him more. "I'm only gonna say this one more time-" He moves closer, towering over me dauntingly. "-Move."

I blink back the moisture that comes to my eyes as I take a deep breath. I want to back away, but I don't. Something inside me won't let me.

I'm done being that girl who gets pushed around and intimidated by men. For two years I was submissive, I compromised to spare Will's feelings and ended up disregarding my own.